Investigation of the effect of bismuth-oxide on the X-ray and neutron shielding efficacy of the new ceramic system Bi₂ O₃ –BaO–Fe₂ O₃ –SrO–B₂ O₃

X-rays and neutrons, vital in numerous industries, necessitate effective shielding to mitigate health risks. Traditional shielding materials like lead and concrete pose issues such as toxicity and structural limitations. This has driven global research towards exploring non-toxic heavy metal oxide glass materials for enhanced radiation protection. This study examined the impact of Bi₂ O₃ on the radiation shielding efficiency of a glass composition (x)Bi₂ O₃ – (20 – x)BaO – 60Fe₂ O₃ – 0.3SrO – 19.7B₂ O₃, with x values of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mol%, over the 15 to 300 keV X-ray range. The Linear Attenuation Coefficient (LAC) of this glass series increased by 12%, 1.7%, and 13% in the energy ranges of 15 − 30 keV, 40 − 80 keV, and 100 − 300 keV, respectively, per 1 mol% Bi₂ O₃ increase. The Half Value Layer (HVT), Tenth Value Layer (TVT), and Mean Free Path (MFP) decrease by 4% per mol% of Bi₂ O₃ at energies less than 40 keV and above 100 keV, while decreasing at a rate of 1% in the 40 − 100 keV region. Sample S1, without Bi₂ O₃, exhibited the lowest shielding efficiency, while sample S5, with the highest Bi₂ O₃ content, demonstrated the highest shielding efficiency. Increasing Bi₂ O₃ concentration notably improves X-ray shielding efficacy, especially below 40 keV and above 100 keV.